A/N: Hello all! This chapter of 'In Your Light' is bringing us some big moments in its usual smuffy package. I have been hinting for a while about Killian's birthday and it's finally here. This means a visit from Will and some more glimpses into Killian's past and the future for Captain Swan in this AU. Since it is also Killian's birthday I gave him two POV moments in the story. There will be fluff and feels as well and I even made the chapter a little longer to help myself get through this dragging Monday! That being said, I hope you guys enjoy and thanks for reading!
Days slipped by too quickly when you had someone to love. Killian had never realized this was the case before Emma, but he was feeling it all pass him by so much faster than he wanted it to. The only time when his life didn't feel like it was flying by was at work, and even then his thoughts always returned to her without question or doubt.
Take now for instance, when he should have been working hard at finalizing the framework of this new commission, but all he could think of was that in just a few more hours he'd be back home with Emma. Somehow in the past few months he'd transformed from a man consumed with work and duty to the kind of person praying for the hours away from home to move faster so he could be with her again. He had perspective now on what was really important and it was hard to accept that still the world went on even when you had such insight.
Killian assumed that moving in together would help with the continuous ache to see Emma and the feeling like they never had enough time, and in a way it had but it never dulled the happy thrum of his heart beating in his chest when he saw her after a long day. Closeness didn't diminish the effect she had on him and the ways in which she enriched his life. It just gave him a bit more access, and in truth, Killian still found himself craving more. They were only a few weeks into living together and he was already planning out ways to ask for her hand in marriage. Rationally he knew how crazy that sounded, but there was no reasoning with his heart, which was surer of his love for Emma with every passing day.
Being with Emma also changed his outlook on mundane things in his life in a way he'd never expected, and possibly the clearest example of that in the present moment was his upcoming birthday. He'd never been predisposed to celebration for being a year older, but Killian found himself eager for the first time in a long time to face the day tomorrow. In his mind, it was the first of all the rest he hoped to spend with Emma and he knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that his lovely girlfriend had something up her sleeve.
Emma had been adamantly not talking about his birthday for weeks, but Killian knew that something was brimming under the surface and that in that mind of hers she had a plan. He could see it in her green eyes, dancing with the brightness that came with orchestrating a surprise. He wondered if maybe she would understand now why he always tried surprising her, because half the magic was anticipating how beautiful a moment could be made if it went well.
Killian put the wrench in his hand down beside the half-built boat and considered his current line of thinking. They were a couple who valued surprises and spontaneity and Killian realized that because of that, there was no need to keep waiting. He could have his cake and eat it too so to speak, surprising Emma and hopefully securing the promise that someday soon they'd be wed and together forever.
Killian snuck a look at the clock, and saw he had a good two hours left before Emma would be home from her bookings today. That was more than enough time if he played his cards right, and he would play them right to see this moment through.
"Dave, I'm going to take off." David barely looked up from the table where he was currently working on some planning for an incoming design.
"Sounds good. If you ask Emma to marry you let me know." Killian stared at his friend and ran a hand through his hair, slightly embarrassed that his intentions were so transparent. David merely shrugged. "Mary Margaret and I have a bet going. Whichever one of us knows first wins. I like to think I have the upper hand since you'll be the one to ask, but my wife is sneaky."
Killian couldn't disagree with the man there and agreed to let him know, feeling confident that Dave would get his update very soon, and as Killian left the warehouse and headed home, he felt his confidence and his hope rise with every step. Now once again he was moving towards something that mattered, and by the time he marched up the front steps and reached for his keys, he could hardly keep the smile off his face. Only when he saw the door wasn't locked did he start to feel a bit of concern. He and Emma were both careful creatures by nature, and the only time they ever let the door unlocked was when they were home during the day.
Killian moved inside and heard talking immediately. It was muffled, and a bit quiet, coming from the kitchen and Killian moved towards it, shocked at what he found. There, standing in his house, with his Swan, was Will Scarlet his best mate who Killian hadn't seen in months. Emma was facing away from Killian, but it only took a second for Will to pick up on his presence in the doorway and Killian heard his friend's exaggerated groan.
"Oh bloody hell, you just had to mess it all up didn't you, Cap?" Emma turned around immediately and her hands moved to her hips, her lips pouting slightly whether she meant them to or not. Killian half expected her to scold him but instead she gestured eventually with her hands encouragingly.
"Well? Go hug your best friend, he flew all the way out here to see you." Killian grinned at that as Will barked out a bit of laughter.
"I like this one, mate." Will said as Killian did as he was bid and greeted his friend. Now that the surprise was fading away, he was truly grateful for the chance to see Will again. It had been too long, and it was good to see his old friend looking so well.
"This one' likes you too, Will. Now, I'm going to go out and get some stuff for dinner. You two get caught up or whatever it is men do." Emma looked half inclined to sprint out of the room, but Killian caught her hand and pulled her back into him. Her eyes widened and then she smiled at his display.
"Thank you, Emma. This is a beautiful surprise." Emma grinned wider.
"I know." Killian couldn't resist kissing her when she flirted with this kind of confidence but too soon she pushed him back and moved out of his arms, citing that now was time for him to spend with his friend and that she'd be back soon enough. Killian watched her leave, not returning to himself and his surroundings until Will cleared his throat.
"So safe to say you found her." Will said and Killian nodded, not needing to clarify further. Emma was the only person for him in the whole world. Of that he was certain. "So when are you gonna ask her to marry your sorry ass?"
"It was actually why I came home early today." Will's arms raised to the sky in a sign of frustration.
"Bloody hell, and here I am ruining it!" Killian grabbed a couple of beers from the fridge and offered one to Will who took it readily. With refreshment in hand, they headed into the living room.
"You didn't ruin anything. It wasn't the right time. But it will be soon enough." Will grinned at Killian almost goofily. "What?"
"I just never thought I'd see the day Captain Jones found love. You're kind of a dour bloke half the time." Killian laughed, because in the past he had been, but that was exactly what it was, the past. He'd been happy in his life for a while now and Emma had everything to do with that.
"Pretty sad that it's us dour ones who get all the luck. I take the fact that you're here alone to mean you didn't find a girl since our last talking." Will grunted out a curse at that which only made Killian shake his head.
"No but Locksley did. She's American too but it's like night and day. Emma seems bright, easy going. Let's just say they call Locksley's girl 'The Queen' for a reason."
Killian listened to more of the gossip that Will had for him, and marveled not for the first time at how well connected Will remained with everyone. The man managed to make a place in his world for each and every friend he made in combat and was the unofficial link between so many people who'd served in their unit. They would any of them drop anything to help another if they needed it, but Will kept people close and he kept himself always present in a way few others ever did.
Before, when Killian was still in the service and Will had decided to leave, Will's abundance of connections had been a hard thing for Killian to handle at times, because the reality was that some of his brother's and sisters in arms didn't get a happy ending of any sort. They struggled with injury and loss and pain, and Killian was trying to keep his head in the fight and keep treading water. Getting bogged down in the darker realities of life post-war never seemed a good idea to him, but to Will it was a part of life. The man was so well adjusted it was startling and he tried to share the chance to be as such with everyone.
"I've got to hand it to you though, mate. This place is something else. When Emma picked me up from the bus station and we walked through town, I started to see why you stuck around. It's no London, but it's got some good points."
"High praise from the man who claimed he could never live anywhere but in the same flat he's always had." Will shrugged.
"Maybe I'm looking for a little of the Storybrooke magic too. You've clearly done well for yourself here. The girl, the house, the job. But it's more than that. You fit here somehow."
"You sound surprised." Will laughed.
"I am. I wasn't joking that first day on the phone, mate. I thought you had gone to Maine to deteriorate in some cabin in the woods and we'd all hold an intervention in a few years and try to get you back with normal people and not bears." The hyperbole of course pulled a laugh from Killian, but he thought back on his original plan and shuddered to think life might have turned out in such a way.
"I probably would have if not for Emma." There was no probably in that statement at all. Killian had no idea where he'd be without her. Even before she'd given him her compass she was guiding him, and just the knowledge that she was standing with him gave him the courage to keep on moving. He'd gotten help for his lingering stressors, and was making progress every day at having a real life thanks to her.
"So where is it?" Will asked and Killian gave him a curious look.
"Where is what?"
"The ring? I'm assuming you're giving her your Mum's right?" Killian nodded and pulled the ring from the spot where he'd been hiding it for weeks in between two loose stones in front of the fireplace. He handed the black velvet box over to Will who opened it and whistled. "Damn!"
"Think she'll like it?" Killian already knew that she would, but it never hurt to hear another opinion.
"I don't know much about asking women to marry you, but I know what you've told me about Emma. This could be a tacky, seventies mood ring and as long as it was your Mother's she'd be excited. That's how you know you've found the right woman." Killian grinned, agreeing whole-heartedly. He looked at the sapphire stone surrounded by small diamonds, and could see his one addition to the ring, an inscription to the band he'd had done even before she'd moved in.
Just then the front door opened and Killian found himself fumbling with the ring box and putting it quickly back in the spot under the stones. Seconds later Emma was looking in the doorway at him curiously and then looking at Will with the same level of suspicion.
"I hope I didn't interrupt anything." Will let out a ridiculous laugh that Killian nearly rolled his eyes at as he stood up to help her with the groceries. Taking them from her arms and pressing a light kiss to her lips Killian whispered.
"All your interruptions are welcome, love. Every one of them." Emma smiled at that and he could see the creeping of a blush on her cheeks. Gods, he loved her, and as soon as Will was out of here he knew the first thing he was going to do. He was going to get down on one knee and beg this woman to take him as he was, a simple sailor with nothing but love in his heart for her.
…..
Will coming to Storybrooke was not the only surprise that Emma had in store for Killian on his birthday, and the next night, on the actual day of celebration, Emma organized a party in their backyard with all of their friends and family. It was a night intended for fun and relaxation, and from where she stood on the back porch, all things seemed to be going well.
Most everyone was here at this point, and they were only expecting a couple more people, but already the party was underway. Friends and family alike were laughing and talking and Emma was happy to see Killian among the people having a good time. He was currently introducing Liam, Elsa, Mary Margaret, and David to Will, and if her vantage point from over here was accurate, new friendships were already blossoming. Emma knew from personal experience that Will was amiable enough to make new friends anywhere.
Speaking of friends, Emma was waiting on one more of her bests to make the party complete, and was starting to worry only to see Belle come through the back gate, looking a little windswept but still her typical bubbly self. Emma couldn't help but smile at her friend who waved eagerly when she came inside with her contribution to the party, dropping whatever the dessert was on the table before moving to Emma.
"I'm so sorry I'm late, Emma. I just got side tracked at the library." Emma heard Ruby laugh as she made her way down the porch with a glass of wine already in hand for Belle. Belle took it gratefully.
"If I had a nickel," Ruby said and Belle rolled her eyes.
"I know I know, you'd close the bar and buy that private island. But I hit the point in the book I was telling you guys about where the mysterious foreign guy and the heroine meet and I swear the sparks were palpable. Then by the time I tore my eyes away, I realized I was really late." Emma grinned at Belle and shook her head. It was maybe fifteen minutes at most.
"Well there's no need to be sorry. Plus you tearing yourself away from a good book to be here is possibly the highest of compliments anyone could pay. I know you don't do that lightly." Belle laughed at Emma's teasing and then took a look around the party. Emma noticed that her friend's pleasant smile shifted at one point and her glance snagged on something, or rather someone. Will Scarlet to be exact.
"Who is that?" Belle asked before clearing her throat a bit and looking back to Emma. Over Belle's shoulder Ruby shot Emma a knowing look.
"Killian's friend Will." Belle nodded, and Emma could see the gears turning in Belle's mind. Emma had mentioned to all of her friends that Will was coming, but clearly Belle felt a little flustered by their new addition to the group. When Emma looked back over to Will, she now saw the feeling was mutual. The usually suave Will was standing there staring at Belle full on, completely ignoring the men around him.
"Oh this is going to be excellent." Ruby said, but in that moment, Emma's eyes found Killian's and the amusement in his gaze told Emma he was just as aware of this spontaneous connection as Emma and Ruby were. When he gave a subtle jerk of his head towards Will Emma took it as a sign and cooked her arm into Belle's.
"How would you feel about meeting your very own mysterious foreign stranger, Belle?" Belle's response was indecipherable, more squeak than actual reply, but it was enough to tell Emma she was interested and now Emma felt she had second hand giddiness.
Is this what people felt like that night Killian and I met? Emma wondered, and she had to imagine that it was. There was nothing subtle about either of their reactions to each other that first night, just as there was nothing subtle about this one between Will and Belle. Emma gave a last glance to Ruby who raised her wine glass silently and made a motion saying she had a great spot to watch. Emma bit back a smile and left, slightly relieved for Belle that Ruby wouldn't be joining them on the front lines.
When Emma and Belle finally came to stand in front of the others, Emma shared another look with Killian, a silent question of who was going to have the honors of introducing the two of them, but then Will was talking and everyone else was just along for the incredibly awkward and yet adorable ride.
"Wow." One word. That was all Will had by way of introduction until Killian elbowed him and then mortification crossed his features. "Bloody hell, did I just say that out loud?!" Will was practically yelling now and Emma did not envy him this bit of social panic.
"Yeah mate, you did," Liam said jovially slapping Will on the back and now Emma knew Will was a real goner. It was one thing for Emma and Killian or even Ruby to set their eyes on the potential romance, but Liam was another beast entirely. Ever since Killian returned he'd been on a matchmaking sort of frenzy, trying to get the whole town to love one another. Belle had been on his list of people needing a match, and now Emma could see Liam plotting all the endless possibilities.
"You must be Will. I'm Belle." Emma was impressed by the command Belle had over her voice as she extended her hand to Will in greeting. Clearly when she felt a spark, Belle was no shrinking violet. Emma was a little jealous, remembering how bumbling she'd been when first meeting Killian.
"Belle. That means beautiful right?" Emma nearly groaned aloud because Will could benefit from some sort of filter, or maybe just better game, but then Belle laughed and nodded.
"That's what they tell me." Emma stared between them for a minute but before she could openly gawk anymore, Killian came around to take her hand.
"Leave them alone, love. Not everyone can have my dashing humor or your brilliant wit." Emma beamed up at him as Killian pulled her towards the big oak tree at the corner of their yard and then brought her behind it. When he pushed her back against the harsh bark of the tree's trunk and started making out with her, Emma was surprised but didn't pull away, at least not right away. She would always take a moment to kiss Killian. She couldn't resist it.
"Killian we have guests." Emma said, hearing the yearning clear as day still in her voice. Killian only grinned, looking almost roguish in his delight at having snuck her away for a kiss.
"Aye, love. But it's my birthday. Tradition dictates that I find my enjoyment however I like, and I want you." The way his voice washed over her set Emma's whole body tingling. She was half way to saying screw it all and dragging him inside to make good on the innuendo in his words, especially after last night where they'd been so exhausted from hosting that they fell asleep nearly immediately, but she shook her head and got control of herself once more.
"Anyone ever tell you that you're a little too charming?" Killian laughed before kissing her gently once more.
"I believe you have been the one to tell me that once or twice, Swan." Emma pushed him away slightly but took his hand again.
"Well it's true. Besides, you should trust that for your birthday I have some ideas already in mind for your - how did you put it… enjoyment." Killian groaned at that but Emma was too quick, pulling him with her this time and forcing him to mill around with the other guests. While Killian played along, Emma was very aware that he didn't release his hold on her. He wanted her close and that was all right with Emma. She wanted to be with him too for as long as she could be.
A few more hours passed and things continued on in the same pleasant way, but a moment did finally come where she and Killian were split up. Emma decided to take advantage of the separation, and to run inside and get rid of some of the trash and plates and such. It would mean she didn't have to worry about it later and could really commit to a night with Killian without any worry or preoccupations.
Shutting the back door behind her, Emma noticed how much quieter it was inside. The party could be heard for sure, but it was softer, and less consuming now. Quickly Emma set out to get all of these things done, and in five minutes she felt confident that she'd done all she should. The only thing left was to grab the cake from the fridge, but maybe she should wait on that.
Emma took a look through the window to see how people were doing, tracking all the happy faces scattered around. Belle and Will continued to hit it off, despite the early strangeness, and most of the other guests, including Emma's sisters and their husbands, were watching it all like hawks, hoping to see Belle happily matched. Graham, having no interest in anyone's love life but his and Ruby's, had staked out cooking duty, claiming that the only other person who could be trusted was Killian who couldn't cook on his birthday. But Emma noticed Graham getting a little distracted by his flirtatious wife who was making eyes at him across the lawn.
It took Emma a minute to track through everyone, even noting Garrett and Lena playing about, but then she realized that the most important face in the bunch was missing.
Where is Killian? Emma thought to herself, only for his arms to come around and hold her from behind. Of course he was here with her. She should have guessed. Where she went he tended to follow and vice versa.
"You're supposed to be out there enjoying your party," Emma chastised playfully and Killian kissed just behind her ear after moving her hair to the side. Emma shivered at the sensitive spot, and then turned around in his arms to look at him. He seemed so genuinely happy and as he so often was, hungry for more between them.
"I don't like the idea of you going to any trouble, Emma. I can have a good time and help you too." Emma sighed at that, and brought her hand to cup his cheek before kissing him. He was so thoughtful, and even on a day that was supposed to be all about him, Killian was putting her first. How could she not melt at that?
"Is it trouble for you to make me happy? To love me as much as you do?" Killian shook his head immediately.
"Never." Emma smiled.
"Well that makes two of us. This party is a gift, but if you want a little time away from it, I have another I could give you now." Killian's eyes lit up and Emma laughed telling him it wasn't that kind of gift. Killian grumbled about bad luck as Emma moved into the living room and grabbed her present from the coffee table. She handed it to him and watched as he opened it while keeping his eyes trained on her.
"You didn't have to get me anything, Emma." Emma rolled her eyes.
"Clearly you're not understanding how birthdays work. Plus I think you'll like this." Killian neglected to look at the gift, instead moving forward to push a strand of hair from in front of her face.
"You've given it to me, love. I already favor it to any other gift I've got."
"Just look." When he did, Emma watched the exact reaction that she'd hoped for unfold.
For weeks she'd been searching for a present worthy of Killian and only recently had Emma found the perfect thing. Up in Liam and Elsa's attic, buried behind boxes of trinkets and clutter from Liam's life, was a box of childhood mementos and there at the bottom of the box was a picture, once worn and faded of Killian as a little boy no more than six, and his mother.
The Killian in the picture had a shock of dark hair and the same blue eyes filled bright with laughter and mischief. His mother, who was easily one of the most beautiful women Emma had ever seen, was hugging him from behind. She had raven black hair, hazel eyes and a warm smile, the kind of smile any kid would want from their mom. There was so much love in the picture and so much happiness it almost made Emma envious. She'd wished she had memories like these, even if Killian hadn't gotten nearly enough of them.
When she brought the box down from the attic, Liam said this was just before their mother had gotten sick, and she appeared so alive and so vibrant Emma couldn't imagine her any other way. Even under the layers of grime and water covering the photo, she'd shone through, as had her son. Emma could remember tearing up when her fingers first traced the photo. She knew then that she had to save this precious image and with Liam's permission took the whole box which had some other important photos too and went to work restoring the past.
"I thought this was gone. Liam said that all the pictures had been damaged in some flooding or something." Emma nodded, taking his hand in hers, which he immediately held tight.
"They were, but he didn't get rid of them. It took a little work, but the heart of the picture was still there. With that you can always find a way back."
Emma watched as Killian's eyes moved from his mother's face to the words etched in the corner of the frame, an exact replica of his mother's scrawled handwriting. 'Killian age 6. He's a rascal for sure, but what a heart he has.'
"I have the original photo with the words on the back, but to show in the house, I thought you might like a copy. The other should be protected, but her words seemed to mean too much to just not show you." Killian quickly put the picture down with care but speed on the table and then wrapped Emma up into his arms for a hug. Emma felt the tears come back, holding him like this, but she wouldn't let go for anything.
"She would have loved you, Emma, and she would have told me that every damn day." Killian pulled back and cupper her cheek, looking into her eyes with sweet intensity.
"I hope that's true." Killian ran his thumb across the corner of her mouth.
"It is, love. I know it is. And I am telling you here and now Emma, that whatever you might have thought, I can't ever let you go. I can survive without anything else, but not without you. I need you." Emma felt the weight of his words and cherished them, pulling him closer.
"You have me. And I'm not going anywhere, I promise." Killian bent down to kiss her, and the embrace quickly escalated to way more than they could possibly have in this moment. Only after reminding him that when everyone left she was all his did Killian agree, and after placing the picture on the mantel beside the picture Lena had taken of the two of them, Emma and Killian rejoined the party knowing that soon enough they'd have another moment to be together again.
…..
"This is going to be interesting." Emma said hours later when Killian finally shut their bedroom door behind them and locked it. He took all of her in, salivating at the upturn of her lips in that sly smile and the way she looked in that red sundress. He'd been watching her move about in it for hours and dreaming of stripping it off of her, unwrapping the best present he'd ever have. Then she'd given him the photograph and his need had nearly boiled over. Emma was perfection itself inside and out and he couldn't fathom how he'd ever gotten so lucky.
"What will, love?" He asked, running his hands along her body.
"Trying to be quiet when you fuck me tonight." Her dirty comment prompted Killian to let out a low growl of his own and pull her into his arms. She nearly yelped but covered her mouth to keep any sound from coming out.
"That's a good girl, love, and I think I know exactly how we'll manage. For every moment you can keep under control, I'll reward you." The heat in her eyes at his proposal set Killian's rigid cock hardening even more but then she turned in his embrace, and moved her hair to expose the zipper of her dress.
"Deal." With her acquiescence, Killian moved forward and unzipped the garment from her only to see the gift that kept on giving underneath. His Emma was dressed in red, barely there lace, and she was a vision to say the least. Suddenly it was becoming very clear that the person struggling to stay quiet would be him. Killian wanted the whole bloody world to know that she was his, but he reasoned that they could have this tonight, and then he'd make her scream his name for the rest of their lives. That seemed a fair trade off.
Killian never broke his gaze away from Emma and her perfection as she turned to him and started stripping him of his clothes too. When they were both finally naked, he stepped towards her, running his hands over her creamy skin, trying to decide where to start. He wanted hours, days even to just explore despite the dozens of times they'd been in this position before. It didn't matter, because he was starving for her, and when she arched her breasts slightly higher towards him, Killian took that as all the encouragement he needed. He maneuvered her over to the bed, spreading her out on her back before flicking open her bra and lowering himself to suck a nipple in her mouth.
"Killian!" Emma managed to keep her voice a husky whisper and it drove him mad. How could just one word, his own name, make him lust all the harder for this woman he already knew so intimately? Killian took her other breast in hand, massaging the flesh and plucking at the nipple the way he knew she loved.
As Emma writhed beneath him, trying to get closer, Killian moved his other hand to slide down into her wet heat and he moved immediately to fill her with two fingers passed the seam of the last scrap of lace keeping her from her fully. She gasped and he swallowed her impending cry with a demanding kiss. Now he could feel her control cracking and Killian couldn't tell if he wanted to pull back or if he wanted to push her there. Houseguest be damned, he wanted Emma so satisfied she couldn't hold back.
It was only a matter of time and some purposely placed stroked to her clit until Emma was thrust into her first climax and Killian pulled back to see her succumb to it. She hummed out a thready sound of need instead of crying out his name, but it still flirted with loudness.
Killian would never grow tired of watching Emma reach her peak and while she was still recovering he kissed his way down her body, stripping off the last piece of clothing from her body and rising back up until he was a breath away from her sex. This was the surest way to test her, and Killian half expected that the challenge of quiet was what had her even more riled up than usual. He could see her arousal plain as day after feeling it just moments ago.
"Can you handle this, Swan? I need to know if you can do this or if I should wait -,"
"Don't even think about it!" Her whisper was still loud with barely restrained desperation and Killian muffled a laugh, loving the way she clenched in anticipation at the coolness of his breath. As he'd done with his hands, he immediately moved to please her, sucking her clit into his mouth and loving the way she tried to keep herself contained with another low hum.
It's not enough, Killian thought to himself and set out to drive her off the edge and into a delirious state of bliss watching her hand come to muffle the sounds she was making. Fuck that was hot. Maybe they should try this little game again sometime, but then again he missed the way her hands usually came to pull his hair at this point and he decided to keep going and see if he could drive her to her usual habit. Killian kissed, nipped and slid his tongue into her with such precision that she was falling into another orgasm easily, but instead of pulling back, he rode it out with her fixated on bringing her more, giving her everything.
"Fuck, Killian, you are killing me right now! I can't-" Emma's next thought was drowned out by a sigh of pleasure and her eyes closed as she let out a soft purr. He pulled back for a moment to reassure her.
"I want you to have this, Emma. I want you to feel how much I love you." Killian heard her argue that it was his birthday but in the end she turned her head into the pillow beside her and Killian watched her bring it up to replace her hands in muffling her pleas. Slower this time, Killian brought her to the peak and she sailed into a longer, more intense release that had her actually spent.
Killian kissed his way back up her body and dropped words of love and adoration as he did. He watched the effect that had on Emma, who seemed completely overwhelmed and still happy at the same time. This look from her was his favorite of any, when she faced emotion so intense but still took it all. It made him feel that as in this as he was, she was right there with him, trusting and loving and living for this and them.
Staring into his eyes, and running her hand across his cheek when Killian came up to face Emma once more, Emma looked so soft and strong all at once, and everything about her stole his breath away. To say he didn't expect her other hand coming to grip his cock in that moment was an understatement.
"Fuck!" Emma chuckled lightly, no doubt at his noise level but then his siren of a girlfriend set out to drive him just as crazy as he'd made her. With her hand, her mouth, with every single tool in that miraculous wheelhouse of hers, and Killian was frayed, on the brink of it all being over before he got what he really wanted which was the two of them lost in the mindless pleasure of coming together.
"Emma," He didn't need to say anything more than her name but his love understood him, coming to rise above him, another fire clear as day in her eyes and setting a slow at first but steadily inclining pace that unraveled them both at the seams in the best way. It was freeing and light and everything all at once, and even when it was over, the joy didn't fade and neither did the contentment. This was right, they were right, and Killian would never take that fact for granted, not as long as he lived.
"Is it weird that I kind of liked that in the end? Who knew quiet was so fun even in bed?" Killian's arms came to wrap around Emma as he pulled her closer to his chest.
"The second Will gets back on that bus to go back home, I am going to make you take those words back, love." Emma ran her fingers along his chest.
"Maybe." Killian laughed softly at her teasing as his fingers combed through her blonde hair that was splayed out all around them. "And I'm totally paying you back on my birthday for this, you know that right?" Killian grinned, thrilled at the prospect.
"If you insist love." Emma nuzzled back into his embrace and he felt her yawn against him.
"Happy birthday, Killian." Killian dropped a kiss to the crown of Emma's head and held her tighter, knowing that it all only turned out as happy as it was because he had Emma with him. Now he just had to see about making sure she was always with him, no matter what.
Post-Note: I have to be honest, this whole chapter was fun to write, but I have such a love for AU moments where Emma and Killian are hosting someone and have to have what could be termed 'discrete sex.' I've done a few chapters like this in the past for 'Steady' and 'Souvenirs' but it's always fun to write. Anyway, I'm pleased to announce that my current plan involves next chapter bringing the proposal that almost was in this chapter. It will be all cuteness and love, so I hope you all tune in for that, and as always, thanks for reading and hope you all had a decent Monday!